Major Mahama ‘Killers’ Trial Jury Strikes Again

The late Major Mahama 

 

The trial of 14 persons accused of murdering the late Major Maxwell Mahama has once again been hindered by another strike action by jurors who are agitating over the nonpayment of their allowances.

An Accra High Court was forced to adjourn the case yesterday as none of the seven jurors showed up for the trial which has lasted for about five years, partly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The prosecution led by Evelyn Keelson, a Chief State Attorney was expected to continue addressing jurors as she tries to convince them to return a guilty verdict.

The jurors had earlier on embarked on a similar action but the trial Judge, Justice Mariama Owusu, a Justice of the Supreme Court sitting as an additional High Court Judge, took the matter on and personally consulted the Chief Justice who in turn resolved the issue.

They seven jurors at some point were still attending the trial although some of their colleagues were on strike.

But insider information indicates that their fellow jurors are not happy with them, with claims that they are weakening their front, forcing them to join the strike which has now affected all jury trials at the court.

Justice Owusu yesterday had indicated that it appeared the jurors were experiencing some challenge but she did not know what it was, indicating she would have to adjourn the case.

Mrs. Keelson, then informed the court that the jurors were on strike, prompting the judge to say she will personally have to take the issue on with the Chief Justice.

“They didn’t even draw my attention. If they did, I think I could’ve done something. The last time they were having an issue they copied me in their letter… that was how the problem was solved. But this one I wasn’t informed,” Justice Owusu indicated while adjourning the case to November 6, 2023.

By Gibril Abdul Razak

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